Search - Elis Regina :: Em Pleno Verao

THE WONDERFUL SONIC HURRICANE !!

RBSProds | Deep in the heart of Texas | 05/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

""..Em Pleno Verao" (At The Height of Summer) is another Big Performance from Elis Regina. Five WONDERFUL Stars! One year after the amazing "Aquarela do Brasil", Elis is caught at the top of her game as Brazil's pre-eminent female singer in a series of big band and live perfomances that captivated Brazil and showcased her supreme abilities as a 'singer's singer'. Not only that but she, in turn, showcases several already/soon-to-be famous songwriters, such as Baden Powell, Jorge Ben, Gilberto Gil, AC Jobim, and Caetano Veloso, among others.



Powell's "Vou Deitar E Rolar" with it's now famous "quaquaraquaqua" refrain starts off the CD in a joyous manner (musically, at least, subject matter aside), with Elis having a lot of fun with the refrain and expertly surfing over the big band arrangement. Note how she runs the song through several nuances, including a dead stop in mid-song, and a wild riff. Also note her 'time management', how she plays with it, stretches it: it's impeccable. Jorge Ben's "Bicho Do Mato" is likewise upbeat and downright raucous with Elis' distinctive 'vamp' stamp.



The most outstanding 'Pieces D'Resistance' on this CD begin with the mysterious "Verao Vermelho" (Red Summer), with Elis literally joining the orchestra in a wordless tour de force that ends much too soon. Those who eschew the fact that Elis was a jazz singer at heart, note this performance (and any of her performances of "Wave"). Jazz plays a major part in Musica Popular Brasilera. On Veloso's "Nao Tenha Medo" (Have No Fear), Elis grabs us immediately and pulls us into the song. "These Are The Songs", a rare and WONDERFUL performance by Elis in English/Portuguese, is a 'Do Wop' tribute sung individually and in duet with platinum-selling Tim Maia (using a wild but poignant vibrato). This song grows on one with each hearing. "Comunicacao" is one of the best performances, with the jazzy walking bass, tuba/piano unison, flutes, and soaring violins all playing an integral role in the proceedings: a fabulous performance. And the final 'Piece D'Resistance' is the airy "Copacabana Velha De Guerra" musically ending on an up note. Score another WONDERFUL Big One for Elis Regina.



(NOTES: She only had 12 years left after this CD, but she left us SO MUCH MUSIC because she was recording at a furious pace! A real Hurricane. I discovered her a decade after her accidental death. This is my 10th Elis Regina CD. I want them ALL!! She remains one of the world's great singers!



The late Tim Maia has a CD recollection coming out in 2005, check him out!)"

Pure fire with a Brazilian Big Band

Carlos from Rio | Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil | 05/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
I'm used to saying and writing that Elis Regina always knew how to choose repertoire, musicians and arrangers besides being the great big vocal master of Brazilian music. This album features the great arranger Erlon Chaves in front of an all-star big band. Repertoire is fresh and impeccable. Very great. This album was a smash hit in Brazil in 1968, with a great sold-out show in Rio de Janeiro for nearly one year."